Speckled Fanner
Common NameSpeckled Fanner
Scientific NameGlyphipterix simpliciella
FamilyGlyphipterigidae
Wingspan (mm)10
Primary Colorsbrown, white, blue, silver
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open grassy areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host PlantsDactylis glomerata, Poa spp.
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem-borers, feeding inside the stems of various grasses, particularly cocksfoot. Pupation occurs within the larval feeding tunnel.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the metallic blue-silver markings on brown forewings, and the characteristic fanned cilia at the wing tip. Often rests head-down on grass stems.
Description
A small moth with rich brown forewings featuring striking iridescent blue-silver spots and streaks, and a distinctive fanned apex.
